Benjamin Franklin's Milestones
Birth
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts Bay, to Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger.
Early education
Attended Boston Latin School but left formal education at age 10 to work in his father's candle shop.
Apprenticeship with brother
Became an apprentice printer to his brother James, publisher of the New-England Courant.
First published article
Published his first articles under the pseudonym 'Silence Dogood' in the New-England Courant.
Ran away to Philadelphia
Ran away from Boston to Philadelphia, seeking a new life and work as a printer.
First trip to London
Traveled to London to work as a printer, gaining valuable experience before returning to Philadelphia.
Founded Junto club
Founded the Junto, a club for mutual improvement among young men.
Founded Pennsylvania Gazette
Purchased and began publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette, making it one of the most prominent newspapers in the colonies.
Married Deborah Read
Married Deborah Read, with whom he had two children and raised her son William.
Founded Library Company
Founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first lending library in America.
Published Poor Richard's Almanack
Published Poor Richard's Almanack, an annual publication famous for its wit and wisdom.
Founded Union Fire Company
Founded the Union Fire Company, one of America's first volunteer fire departments.
Invented Franklin stove and bifocals
Invented the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses, and other practical devices.
Founded American Philosophical Society
Founded the American Philosophical Society, the first learned society in America.
Electricity experiments
Conducted groundbreaking experiments with electricity, including the famous kite experiment, and coined terms like battery, conductor, and electrician.
Founded Pennsylvania Hospital
Co-founded Pennsylvania Hospital, the first hospital in the American colonies.
Served in Pennsylvania Assembly
Served as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, influencing colonial policy.
Proposed Albany Plan of Union
Proposed the Albany Plan of Union, an early attempt to unify the colonies.
Helped draft Declaration of Independence
Served on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Ambassador to France
Served as ambassador to France, securing crucial support for the American Revolution.
Signed Treaty of Paris
Signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolutionary War.
President of Pennsylvania
Served as President (Governor) of Pennsylvania.
Attended Constitutional Convention
Participated in the Constitutional Convention and signed the U.S. Constitution.
Abolition advocacy
Became president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, petitioning Congress to end slavery.
Death
Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia, leaving a legacy as a Founding Father, inventor, and statesman.
Legacy and honors
Franklin's legacy endures in science, politics, and culture; his image appears on the U.S. $100 bill and numerous institutions bear his name.